Emily Dickinson, I heard a Fly buzz – when I died – (c. 1862)

I heard a Fly buzz—when I died —

I heard a Fly buzz—when I died—

The Stillness in the Room

Was like the Stillness in the Air—

Between the Heaves of Storm—

5

The Eyes around—had wrung them dry—

And Breaths were gathering firm

For that last Onset—when the King

Be witnessed—in the Room—

I willed my Keepsakes—Signed away

10

What portion of me be

Assignable—and then it was

There interposed a Fly—

With Blue—uncertain stumbling Buzz—

Between the light—and me—

15

And then the Windows failed—and then

I could not see to see—

(c. 1862)